Australia, and Queensland in particular, is in no short supply of country towns. And Brisbane can boast of quite a few country towns within a couple of hours’ drive from the city. From the Scenic Rim to the Southern Downs and up to the Sunshine Coast plus a few other regions in between, these perfectly charming towns near Brisbane highlight slow-living, rolling hills, verdant pastures and a couple of our favourite things: country town hotels and bakeries.
There are historic and nature walks to explore, sandstone buildings to see, scenic lookouts to ascend and a bounty of wineries, breweries and more local produce to eat and drink your fill as well. So, when city life gets a little too fast-paced and you need a break, a breath of fresh country air and a scenic drive to unwind, pick one of these charming country towns and you’ll be all set.
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1. Samford Village, Moreton Bay Region
You only have to drive around half an hour from Brisbane to find the quaint town of Samford Village, which is small in size but rich in things to do.
You can start your day off by grabbing a bite and a coffee from the Harry Potter-inspired cafe The Owlery before heading next to the Store of Requirement, home to an array of goodies for witches and wizards, whether it be merch, Butterscotch Brew, themed cupcakes or chocolate frogs.
Samford is a short 30-minute drive to Mount Glorious and the Cedar Creek swimming holes, too, so you can get your nature fix on the same day, or sample wines at Ocean View Estates, which also has luxury accommodation for a well-deserved weekend escape.
Distance: 21 kilometres to Samford Village.
2. Canungra, Scenic Rim
Canungra is a tiny and charming town found just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane. It’s located on the eastern edge of the Scenic Rim and is the gateway to Lamington National Park as well as the Gold Coast Hinterland. It’s the ideal location to begin many bushwalks and hikes and birdwatching adventures in the region and that’s not to mention the many spectacular views and breathtaking lookouts.
The historic Lahey’s Tramway Tunnel, which is a 90-metre hand-dug sandstone tunnel, is well worth checking out and so is The Outpost Cafe—famed for its award-winning pies. One of our favourite activities, though, would have to be a visit to Mountview Alpaca Farm where you’ll be able to meet some very cuddly alpacas. Located on-site at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, you can add a vineyard picnic basket on top of your experience for a wonderful day out in the country.
Distance: 78 kilometres
Since you’re in the area, why not lace up the walking boots and check out Kweebani Cave in Lamington National Park?
3. Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast Hinterland
Part of the wondrous beauty and appeal of the Scenic Rim belongs to Tamborine Mountain. The lush mountain plateau is home to a plethora of landscapes and environments that you can explore, including bushwalks, waterfall excursions and more. There’s even a chance to walk among the treetops for a bird’s eye view of the greenery and wildlife with the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
But, Tamborine Mountain is also home to a number of wineries, distilleries and the Witches Chase Cheese Company which makes it a great day trip from Brisbane. The Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walk is also a must for any visitor, especially first-timers who will be astounded by the number of shops selling everything from locally-made goods and unique wares as well as fashion, jewellery, cottage industry arts and crafts, produce, cellar door outlets and more.
Distance: 72 kilometres
4. Maleny, Sunshine Coast
Not only is Maleny a picturesque country town, but it also boasts panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains—home to a swelling number of artists, craftspeople, writers and musicians. The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is where you’ll find the best sights as well as the Rainforest Discovery Centre, but there are plenty of lovely short walks to explore and find your own way.
Cafés are in no short supply in Maleny either and a couple that make a country getaway a tranquil and homely affair is Shotgun Espresso and Monica’s Cafe. At the same time, award-winning restaurant The Tamarind is a must for anyone who is keen on forward-thinking Asian cuisine and a night or two at Spicers Tamarind Retreat makes for one of the most romantic weekends away you can have near Brisbane.
Maleny, though, is probably best known as the home of one of Australia’s most renowned dairy producers, Maleny Dairies. Lactose-intolerant or not, a farm tour through gorgeous paddocks is up there as a must-do in Maleny. You can try the delicious range of milk, yoghurts, custard and cream, cuddle with some farmyard friends and BYO picnic or use their on-site BBQs.
Distance: 92 kilometres
5. Montville, Sunshine Coast
Quaint and charming country towns don’t get much better than Montville, which you’ll find just a little further north of Brisbane than Maleny. It’s often called the creative capital of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for its quality art galleries and studios including glass art at Illume Creations and award-winning artists at Montville Art Gallery.
On the main strip of town, you’ll find Fudgbyboombahs as well as fine Belgian chocolate at Chocolate Country. But when it comes to a caffeine fix, head to Little May Espresso.
Not far from the centre of town, you can find Spicers Clovelly Estate which houses the renowned Long Apron Restaurant if you’re keen on a fancier feast on your weekend away from the city. However, the real jewel of Montville has to be Kondalilla National Park and its incredible 90-metre waterfall plus rock pools and plenty of lookouts. Monville is the perfect getaway for city-dwellers.
Distance: 98 kilometres
6. Maryvale, Southern Downs
Drive two hours from Brisbane along the Cunningham Highway and you’ll come across Maryvale. It’s the gateway to the Southern Downs region and sits on the edge of the Scenic Rim, just minutes from scenic lookouts of the heritage-listed Main Range National Park. Pasturelands surround the regional community so you’re sure to find some of the freshest local produce when you visit.
Built in 1912-13, Maryvale’s Crown Hotel is where you can meet many of the town’s local characters who are part of the reason why it was voted in Australian Traveller’s 50 Greatest Aussie Country Pubs You Must Visit. You’ll find home-cooked country meals like the Cowboy Rump and an open-air beer garden with a fire pit as well as cosy lounges and rooms inside.
For traditional Aboriginal art, craft and story-telling, visit Cicada Woman and Yirimbahm Gallery. For horse riding, whip cracking and boomerang throwing, pop on over to Bestbrook Mountain Resort.
Distance: 128 kilometres
7. Warwick, Southern Downs
Warwick is more regional city than country town, but thanks to its sandstone buildings, the serpentine Condamine River and gorgeous parks and gardens, it’s got the charm and style we can’t get enough of. The drive is on the longer side of two hours, but a day trip or weekend getaway from Brisbane will fill you with fresh country air and provide plenty of respite from the big city.
July is a fabulous time to visit Warwick with the Jumpers and Jazz festival in full swing as well as the Christmas in July dinners at the Abbey Boutique Hotel. If you’re into rodeos, then the last weekend of October is for you.
But aside from events, there’s plenty to do in Warwick as well, such as discovering the town’s rich history on a heritage walk or hopping aboard the Downs Explorer for a steam-train ride through the region. The Warwick Art Gallery also deserves a mention.
Buildings of note include the Town Hall & Footballer’s Memorial, the Criterion Hotel, the Post Office, St Mary’s Catholic Church (both old and new), St Andrew’s Uniting Church, and St George’s Lodge. The Warwick Historical Museum is as good a place as any to start. But, Warwick has also got an antiques store and a bunch of shops to peruse—who knows what you’ll find in this thriving city just a couple of hours away from Brisbane.
Natural attractions are never too far away in the area with Main Range National Park where you can lunch at Cunningham’s Gap picnic area, hike the Rainforest Circuit and take in the sights and sounds of Queen Mary Falls.
Distance: 157 kilometres
8. Kilcoy, Somerset
You’ll find Kilcoy just an hour-and-a-half drive from Brisbane on the D’Aguilar Highway. The town, best known for its Yowie legend, is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and rolling hills. There are plenty of lookouts to take in the beautiful scenery and maybe even spot the Yowie which is said to live in the hills. Make sure to visit the Yowie Park and get your picture with the statue.
The country town itself is quite charming with its landscaped parks and quaint shops. There are a couple of bakeries in town as well that serve up some quality pies including Coff & Co, which is probably the most famous of the lot—and for good reason.
Distance: 100 kilometres
9. Mount Alford, Scenic Rim
If you need just the one reason to drive 100 kilometres from Brisbane to Mount Alford, then at top of that list of reasons should probably be the Scenic Rim Brewery. The brewery itself is housed in a heritage-listed general store which adds old-world charm to its boutique craft beers and homemade cakes.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away, wine lovers can make a stop at Kooromba Vineyard. It makes for the perfect day outdoors: whether it be walking through the lavender fields and enjoying the mountain views, tasting the local vino, or dining at the gourmet restaurant on-site.
Distance: 107 kilometres
10. Kenilworth, Mary Valley
Is it really a country town if there is no country bakery? Well, Kenilworth not only has a bakery, but its bakery does 1kg donuts and for that reason alone it is on this list. However, Kenilworth is more than just its famous bakery.
The town with a population of 300 people retains its 1930s atmosphere and despite its small size contains a bunch of eateries, shops, art gallery, and a cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream factory. The Kenilworth Market is held every Saturday morning.
But as we mentioned, the star of the town is the Kenilworth Country Bakery. It’s almost 100-years old and its oven is wood-fired, making its treats and baked goods a delight to eat. They also do coffee served inside a doughnut, vegan sweets, dog treats and, of course, 1kg doughnuts. There’s a challenge too. You will most likely need to order ahead as they do tend to sell out.
Afterwards, you can walk the doughnut off in the Conondale State Forest.
Distance: 148 kilometres